Cheek/Punkz
Although based on a seemingly foolproof formula, it was probably
the ultra-commercial pop image that contributed to Cheek's
eventual demise.
The mainstays of Cheek (Lee Emmett, Felix Maslin
and Bud Mangion) first joined forces in 1974 as Jasper. Emmett, Maslin and Mangion formed Punkz with the addition of
Robin Jackson (who had been the original lead vocalist with Hush
and had played in a schoolboy band in the UK with Peter
Frampton)
and Randy Hall (who was quickly replaced by Ray Goodwin from the
John Paul Young Allstars).
The band came to the attention of Ol' 55 manager and pop guru
Glenn A Baker, who helped shape the bands 1960's pop image.
Mushroom Records issued the singles Anyway You Want It
(December 1976) and Take Me For What I'm Worth (June
1977), neither of which were particularly successful despite the
fact that they were near note-perfect cover versions of the 60's
originals. Goodwin left soon after and the band changed its name
to Cheek to avoid any punk rock connotations.
A cover of the Mighty Avengers' So Much In Love,
backed with The Easybeats' Do You Have A Soul?, was
Cheek's debut single for Mushroom in January 1978. The band then
began recording an album, with the addition of Troy Richards on
keyboards and guitar.
The album never eventuated, and the final single, Leave My
Heart Alone, was also unsuccessful and the band broke up in
August 1978. The four singles later appeared as an EP on Greg
Shaw's Bomp! label in the US.
Felix Maslin died as a result of an asthma attack in 1988.
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